Our clinic in Kamloops is located about 2 hours from Kelowna and has a hybrid operational structure, currently employing 4 medical oncologists and 3 part-time GPOs (GP in oncology). Clinician staff are employed by BC Cancer, while other medical staff and space are provided by Interior Health.  The clinic is operated within Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). The current near term plan is for expansion of radiation services to Kamloops within the next few years, and the 10 year plan is for a new Regional Centre being established at this locale. There is an opportunity for oncology clinicians in Kamloops to participate in rounds and events in the region, virtually or in person, though with longer travel distances for in person events, if held in Kelowna. There is work ongoing to invest in clinical trials team expansion to Kamloops in the next year or two.

Kamloops is located along the Thompson River, and like other area Oncology Centres, has nearby access to a large ski hill and trails at Sun Peaks, and many parks and recreation facilities.  Kamloops hosts many sports tournaments.  The population of the city is just over 100,000, and RIH provides tertiary care to the nearby Thompson-Cariboo region.

Clinicians in Kamloops could shape an elective experience around a subset of cancer types, if desired, or could provide a broad experience across most frequent tumour types. Visiting trainees would be welcome to participate in any departmental rounds or events while visiting.  If desired, a trainee could request to split their time between Kamloops and our other Community Centre in Vernon about an hour away, to get a sense of both clinics and cities.

Contact for either location can be made with Dr. Susan Ellard, Medical Oncology Department Leader at BC Cancer Kelowna, and inquiries will be shared with the respective oncologists at Vernon and/or Kamloops, to enable communication and planning.  Susan Ellard can be reached at sellard@bccancer.bc.ca or 250.712.3900 ext 686804.